Sunday 29 January 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.1 - Don't fly Qantas

Now, as most of you know, the jourknow had an action-packed trip down-under this Christmas, visiting family in the breathtaking South Island of New Zealand. A stunning place of untouched beauty, mesmerising landscapes and the home to the nicest people on earth. Over the next few weeks, I will be uploading a post of some of the things I got up to, along with some of the photos I took whilst travelling. I hope you enjoy my holiday as much as I did, and who knows, maybe you will be tempted in to booking yourself an unforgettable four weeks on the 'Isle of Paradise'!

No.1 - Don't fly Qantas

For most people, the flight to your holiday is usually the worst part of the holiday. Queueing up for check-in, being patted down by a shifty security guard and sharing seats next to a screaming baby and a woman with a cold; it is enough to put you off going on holiday. That's if you ever take off from the airport!

I had my concerns when my father booked the flight tickets last year to New Zealand through a travel agent. "Qantas", I cried. "Have you not read the news lately?" (this is in reference to the numerous news stories surrounding the airline, including strike action, engines blowing up and dwindling profits). But it was the cheapest economy class ticket we could find, so I forgot about my apprehensions and put on a brave smile as me and my brother walked through to check in in Heathrow Terminal 3, which yes, is still heaving at 9:00pm.

Sadly, the smile soon faded. My eyes were firmly focused on the Departure Information board. Only one flight was cancelled that evening, and yes, you guessed it, it was mine. Anyone who has ever flown and found their flight is cancelled will understand the emotions you experience when you read your flight is cancelled; anger, sadness, frustration, worry.

And this is where the Qantas operation starts to unravel. We queued for over an hour to find out what was happening, with only one obnoxious check-in girl offering any advise on what was going on. I could have sworn the couple behind us, travelling to Bangkok on their honeymoon, were considering hitting the woman. Once we got to the information desk, it was if an earthquake had just struck and everyone was in panic mode. Passengers were crying, quite rightly, with the staff offering little sympathy. For me, my number one priority was trying to discover what would happen to me and my brother. How would we get to New Zealand, if we were now going to miss all our transfers. After a heated discussion with one check-in girl who struggled to know where New Zealand was, her manager stepped in and informed us that we would find out tomorrow morning. Before I had chance to argue, I was escorted off the premises with my brother to a hotel for the evening.

Great, a night stuck in a hotel with my brother, right next to the busiest airport in Heathrow. Thankfully, the hotel was actually quite nice, and the food was good. Despite having no luggage - Qantas took that away, despite appeals from most of the people travelling - we got by, and with a few hours sleep, we awoke to the morning rush-hour of Heathrow. Our flight got off on time, albeit 12 hours late from the original lift off.

What about the flight? Me personally, well I love flying. I love it when the plane speeds along the runway for take off, I love watching the emergency procedures. I even love the food. But did I love the Qantas service? No, not at all. The plane was dated, the crew matched the near 'antique' interior, and the squashed surroundings reminded me of when I once wrote a project on the Slave Trade at school. I felt like a battery hen from start to finish. My brother was ill throughout most of it, and with a screaming baby in front of me, I closed my eyes and tried to dream I was somewhere else. Ideally business class.

After a pointless stop over in Bangkok, which saw us all walk off the plane and then get back on it, we got to Sydney to be told our transfers would not be until the next morning, which meant another night in a hotel. In a way, I was relieved. The good thing about staying the night in a hotel is you manage to get a good night's sleep, even if we had the screaming baby next door to us.

In the morning, refreshed and revitalised, I was angry to find out Qantas were not willing to get us to our final destination. Oh boy, did the Australians get a reality check. I threw everything at them; the waterworks, the sob stories, anger. Anything that might help get us to Dunedin. Thankfully, my father rallied around and sorted our connecting flights, and we even managed to get a change of airline, flying to Christchurch with Air New Zealand.

And what a flight that was. A brand new aeroplane, delicious food and an exquisite service which was just the starting point for my love for the Kiwi's. If you ever fly with them, you will love the safety video they play. It had me in stitches, it's so New Zealand! Finally arriving in New Zealand - a day later than intended - to the open arms of my father and his partner, I was relieved to be finally there. Now the real adventure could begin.

Lesson to learn: Do not fly Qantas. Despite the price being so cheap, the service was inadequate from start to finish. We were treated like some kind of urchin from start to finish, with no apology ever issued from the airline. Although the compensation was good - the hotel and food provided were better than expected - the whole experience was something I would rather regret. The Qantas service sadly left me with an impression of a company which is out-dated, underperformed and inadequate to the 21st century travelling.

Photos: The first two were taken from Sydney Airport, the last two were taken from my Hotel room, at the Mercure in Sydney.

Friday 27 January 2012

Friend for Friday: the jourknow himself!

In a Special edition of Friend for Friday, I am featuring an interview which has recently been conducted by my former college online magazine, The Alternative. Alys Penfold - the editor of this fantastic magazine, and a personal friend of mine - interviewed me recently for the website, shortly after I received an award for Leadership from Alton College, for my work as the previous Editor.

So, in a special edition, the Jourknow would like to introduce this week's Friend for Friday: the jourknow himself, Kieran Watkins.*
Friend for Friday: Kieran Watkins
(
from the Alternative website)
Kieran Watkins was the 2010/2011 Chief Editor of our very own Alternative. He did a fantastic job while he was in charge, and got to take part in Any Questions? for BBC Radio 4 hosted by Jonathan Dimbleby when it was broadcast live, from here at college. Kieran also successfully organised the Alternative photo competition last year (winner Nicole Boulton) and has since had work experience at The Guardian and is now studying Journalism BA Hons at University of Kent. As my previous editor and a good friend, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kieran and finding out more about his passion for journalism...

What inspired your interest in journalism?
I think it was from watching memorable events on the TV when I was younger, like the 9/11 attacks and the death of Princess Diana. Watching memorable events unfold like that made me want a slice of the action - to be on the frontline reporting breaking news stories to the public, whether they be bad or good news stories. That’s what made me want to be a journalist.
What is university life like? Is there anything at home that you miss?
I miss my family, obviously and the comfort of being in a county and town which you’re familiar with. But in all honesty, I love it. I love the independence and the maturity of uni life. You’re an adult now, on the road to adult life. Yes, things are a lot harder and you have to start taking responsibility for money and your own personal welfare, but its not all doom and gloom. It’s the best time of your life! The going out and getting drunk bit is quite good fun too! (tut, tut Mr Watkins!)
What’s the highlight of your journalistic experience so far?
Well, obviously all the work I did for the Alternative was fantastic, and the opportunities were great. Particularly the interviews for Any Questions stood out as a highlight. Since I’ve been to university, the experiences have been great. I have so far interviewed local politicians and members of the public, as well as getting the opportunity to try out new media such as radio and television - stuff I had never tried before.
Who or what inspires you?
Bruce Forsyth has long been an inspiration of mine. The fact that at the grand old age of 80, he is still entertaining our screens on one of the best programmes in the UK is fantastic and inspiring. But the thing that inspires me the most is the BBC. It’s a British institution, the best broadcaster in the world and who I hope to work for in the future!
Tell us about your work experience at the Guardian…
My work experience at the Guardian was great, albeit for two days. It was exciting getting up early and travelling to London. The offices are brand spanking new, and they have all the latest technology. I learned a lot - mostly simple technical things, like how to use an Apple Mac and where to get pictures from off of the Internet. I also contacted agents for celebrities - was quite exciting to get an email from Kirsten Dunst’s agent!
What are your tips for surviving university?
I’m rubbish when it comes to tips. All I would say is shop around for food. Always buy from a supermarket, not a small convenience store - the food will be a lot more expensive. If you go out to a club, take how much money you’re going to spend with you. Don’t pay with card, you’ll end up spending lots more then you planned to. And try to share food with your friends, by taking it in turns to cook for each other.
What was your favourite part about being the chief editor of The Alternative?
Reading all the fantastic articles. I was really proud to read all of the work that was written, it’s incredibly rewarding for me to read work of such high quality from students.
An issue or news story I’m really interested in at the moment…
Well the phone hacking story is one that is forever changing, and producing new and interesting stories (or should that be scandalous stories!) Otherwise, the Thames Airport is something that I am really interested in - there are so many reasons for and against it, and I think it will be a big issue in the press in the next few months.
My dream job would be…
Presenting my own chat show on BBC1.
Something that I did to make me stand out in my university interviews…
Just being keen and polite makes all the difference- they like it if you just be yourself. I would look the part, make sure I looked them in the eye and was just calm and kept my cool. Be yourself!
If I wasn’t a journalist I would be…
A teacher.
I couldn’t live without
My iPod!

The Alternative online magazine - run by students, for students - is an online publication written by students from Alton College. Launched in 2009 by Editor Gwen Hanueur, and co-edited by Kieran Watkins, the site focuses on a mix of articles, reviews on interviews; from subjects such as Film, Fashion, Public Affairs and Culture. In 2010, Kieranfundraising and publicising events, including competitions and high-profile interviews. In 2011, Alys Penfold, with help from Andrew Smith, took over as Editor.

The website address is: http://the-alternative.ning.com/

Both Kieran and Gwen have been awarded Leadership Awards from the college for their commitment to the magazine.

You can follow Kieran on Twitter: @kieranwatkins
You can also follow Alys on Twitter: @candyflosscurls

Interview courtesy of the Alternative website.
Thanks go to Alys Penfold for the intervew.

*I know it's shameless, but there is nothing like a little bit of self promotion now and then!

PROOF that politicians really are human

It has been a tough week for the British Government. At the beginning of the week, there was wide scale disapproval for their plans for the Welfare Reforms Bill, which was later rejected by the House of Lords, who condemned the planned cuts in Child Support. Then we had the news that the British economy had shrunk by 0.2% in the last three months of 2007, sparking fears that Britain is heading back into recession (presuming we are not already in one.) Yesterday we had reports published from Sky News that showed the budget for the Olympics had increased by more than five times the original estimation; although these original estimates were drawn up by the former Labour government, so the Tories have someone to blame. And then, to further worry the Conservatives, the Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, released his plans for a referendum in Scotland on devolution (independence from the UK).

Give the guys a break. Well, sadly that is not how it works. They are politicians, it is their job to deal with the dramas and problems this country faces. You will not see any sympathy from me.

Or maybe a little. Because, scrolling through YouTube earlier on today, I happened to come across this clip of the PM and members of parliament taking a break from it all, for just a few minutes. Having a rest, or as it were, laughing at the expense of someone else. The below clip is from inside the House of Commons, and involves comments made by Peter Bone, Conservative MP for Wellingborough and Rushden, and witty comebacks provided by the Prime Minister David Cameron. It is generally quite amusing, despite some who may deem it 'childish' and 'immature', but for me it just shows that MP's are all human beings. No matter how much you hate them.

Also, nice to see the Speaker John Bercow hiding his own laughter, as he tried to retain order. Ironically, the joke is usually on him and his Mrs Bone (or Bercow)! The video is shown below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkGpXM85qJE&feature=g-vrec&context=G2260686RVAAAAAAAAAA

*If you don't understand the whole 'Mrs Bone' gag, you may wish to read this first: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9021245/Sketch-the-Tory-backbencher-obsessed-with-his-own-leaders-death.html

Content courtesy of YouTube and the Daily Telegraph.
Picture Courtesy of the-vibe.co.uk

Technorati code: USRSC48G8YZ5

Thursday 26 January 2012

NTA Awards: And the award goes to...

Soap stars, reality TV veterans and TV personalities descended onto the 02 Arena last night for one of televisions prestigious events; the National Television Awards. The NTA’s see some of Britain’s greatest small screen stars – and many others we would rather forget – gather together to celebrate the previous year’s best TV moments.
But who are the real winners at the NTA’s? It seems that, behind the cleavage, fake tan and ball gowns is an award show that simply does not add up. If the awards last night taught me anything, it is that either the British television in this country has gone downhill, or the people who vote for these programmes are morons.
But first, there were a few winners that deserved to win. As much as it pains me to say it, Coronation Street deserved to win Most Popular Serial Drama. Finally stealing the crown from Eastenders, it seemed bittersweet for the Manchester based soap opera, who poignantly dedicated the gong to the late Betty Driver. Although I am a firm fan of Eastenders, the last year has been disastrous for the soap. Losing iconic cast members – Lacey Turner, Barbara Windsor, Pam St.Clement  - and storylines which leave viewers confused and often angry. Wins for Outnumbered and Celebrity Juice were probably earned fair and square to. And although I have not watched it, judging by the popularity of the show, Downton Abbey also deserved its award for Most Popular Drama.
But besides this, it was a night of shock and surprise, and not in a good way. Because in nearly every other category, the award was given to the wrong person, and left me confused and bewildered at the winners. Now these might be my own opinion, and yes I am slightly biased towards the BBC, but I am sure you will agree with me on some of the awards.  
For one, it was dominated by ITV programmes. A coincidence perhaps? The show was hosted by an ITV presenter, screened on ITV and the awards were presented by many ITV stars. So naturally, the awards would go to them?
Well, it is voted by the British public. A few months ago, I was sent an email – again, glistening with familiar ITV faces – and voted for who I thought deserved an award. Yet none of the people I voted for won a single award.
But anyway, it is not about whom I wanted to win; it is more about who the audience wanted to win. But looking at the nomination list, and comparing it to the actual winners, it just does not seem to add up. Despite numerous controversies last year matched by falling viewing figures, The X Factor won the Best Reality Programme gong, despite Strictly Come Dancing dominating its ITV rival. Most Popular Factual Programming – if you can call it Factual – went to This Morning, another key ITV show. Awards also went to Katherine Kelly of Corrie and I’m A Celebrity, although the latter thankfully fought off TOWIE to win, so there is some hope for the future of British Television.
Or is there? Because more ITV figureheads picked up other key awards, with three awards being solely chosen by the NTA’s, and not the audience. The Landmark Achievement Award went to comic and new BGT judge David Walliams, presumably because he has just made the landmark achievement of becoming another fool to step into the jaws of Simon Cowell. Jonathan Ross won the Special Recognition Award – celebrating his 25 years on air, minus the three months for which he was suspended. And surprise surprise, a third award went to X Factor protégé Gary Barlow, who won the Outstanding Contribution Award. Yes, the musician who contributed superbly to the X Factor this year, which saw over 3 million viewers switch off.
And at the top of the ITV award cabinet, perched next to the ten other dusty figurines, stands the Most Popular Entertainment Presenter, which went to – yep you guessed it – Ant & Dec, for the eleventh consecutive year in a row. Despite the duo presenting three shows last year which all caused controversy in the media (Britain’s Got Talent, Red or Black, I’m a Celeb), they still manage to cling on to their precious gong; even admitting they find the whole thing hilarious. Change the record already Britain, why can't these two goons be moved to Room 101? Seemed desperate enough that host Dermot O’Leary was telling his Twitter followers to vote for the pair. The fact that the host of the show is also up for an award seems wrong anyway.

What it comes down to is an award show dogged by controversy, rigged by a broadcaster who longs for approval from the British public. Although some of the awards were rightly deserved, questions remain on the others. And with only 6 million viewers watching the event, nearly half of the audience in previous years, is anyone really taking the awards seriously? Apart from the immature teens and Jeremy Kyle mums who love to vote for this kind of rubbish.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Friday 20 January 2012

Titanic Revisited

It is hard to believe that this year marks 100 years since the sinking of quite possibly the biggest and most famous shipping disaster to dominate the headlines of the world’s press. 100 years for lessons to be learned from the mistakes that led to the “unsinkable” Titanic sinking to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
Yet, with this in mind, it has come apparent in the last few days that some lessons have proven difficult to learn. Over the weekend, news coverage has focused solely from a stricken Cruise liner near Giglio, off the west coast of Italy. The Costa Concordia hit a submerged rock on Friday evening, and is now partially submerged, lying on its side, with a full investigation and recovery operation underway.

Over 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members were on board. Official sources report five people have been found dead since rescue efforts began, with 17 people still missing. As 4,000 people abandoned the ship in a situation described as “chaos”, the disaster of the Concordia echoes that of the similarly ill-fated disaster on board the Titanic. A massive hole in the side of the ship leading to a flood of water, submerging the ship under the ocean. Scenes of panic and frustration as passengers reach for the safety of the on-board lifeboats, with little help from a crew deemed “helpless”. As the Captain, Francesco Schettino, is questioned, it seems human error once again proved the cause of such an accident, as it did on April 15th, 1912.

I find it surreal to believe that, in times of technological advancement and extensive developments in ship safety, an accident like this could not have been averted. Crew members have told reporters that the ship was sailing too close to the coast, and consequently the ships Captain made a terrible misjudgement. Mr Schettino, 52, who has worked for Costa Cruises - the company who owns the Concordia - for 11 years, denied misjudgement on his part, and declared to Italian television reporters that faulty nautical charts were to blame. Although both sources provide different reports on how the accident occurred, both are simple mistakes that surely could have been corrected if safety was a top priority.

The cruise industry in the UK is one, which year on year, has seen increasing passenger numbers. In 2010, 1.62 million Brits sailed the high seas on a cruise, a 6% increase on 2009 (UK Cruise Census 2010), with the Mediterranean cruise proving the most popular, with a 38% increase in passenger numbers. Offering a variety of activities and packages, they were described by Mark Dickinson, general secretary of Nautilus International as “effectively small towns at sea”. But, it seems bigger ships create much bigger problems in cruise safety.

On a recent vacation to New Zealand, I was made clear of a similar shipping tragedy that has been dominating news coverage for the past 3 months. MV Rena, a Greek container ship, ran aground near Tauranga in October. It resulted in 350 tonnes of oil leaking into the Pacific Ocean, in a situation described by New Zealand environmental minister Nick Smith as “the worst maritime environmental disaster ever in New Zealand history.” Although an inquiry has yet to have taken place, it seems human error once again proved the problem. The captain of the Rena, who was thought to have been partying when the ship ran aground, was warned about safety concerns just days before the accident happened.

Whether it is the loss of life, the destruction of habitat or the extensive pollution caused by such accidents, it seems the safety of the shipping industry - from haulage to cruises - is likely to come under fresh scrutiny in the face of adversity. Because if the story of the Titanic has taught us anything - besides glitzy stories of love and romance - no ship is safe from the inevitable.

Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia

Friend for Friday: Chuka Umunna MP

It has been a challenging week for businesses across the country. From Peacocks calling in the administrators, to Chinese investment in British industry; British business is changing as you and I know it. One man who has been leading the calls for change is Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna - who recently called for shareholders to have a bigger say in appointing company boards.

I was lucky enough to talk to Chuka, one of the aspiring stars of the Labour party last year. Here is what he had to say on politics, students and his political career.

Parliamentary Private Secretary to Labour Leader Ed Miliband and recent MP for Streatham, Chuka is fairly new to politics, working his way up through the city and media world. We chatted to him about his life, British society and the Labour leader.

Chuka, before you became elected as an MP for Streatham, you worked your way up the political ladder through writing. Can you elaborate more on your past success?
Well first, I have always grown up in and around Streatham, an area of London. In addition, I have always had an interest in politics. My first job was as a lawyer in the city, however I found that the press either portrayed the inequality of ethnicity in London itself negatively, of not portrayed at all. I decided to write an article about the subject, and sent it to my brother who was amazed at my ‘natural writing talent’. I then sent it off to the Financial Times, who published it, without any editing or changes made. Within a week, letters and emails to the Times were sent in their hundreds, praising my work. It went from there really.

You went on to write regularly for the Financial Times, as well as the Guardian. In fact, you even started and edited your own website; the political TMP magazine (similar format to our Online Magazine, The Alternative)
Yes, I did. It was great, because I could write what I wanted and focus on the topics and issues I wished to focus on. If I have any advice for you in the magazine field, it would be to try and always be imaginative and eager to try new things.

Political commentators and newspapers like the New Statesman and The Independent have in the past dubbed you the ‘British Obama’. How do you feel about being called this?
Well it is certainly flattering, but it is not what I am about. I am all about the people, my constituency: not about the names and labelling. Although I admit, it is a comparison I would not be so arrogant to make myself! (Laughs)

Talking about your constituency, how did you feel to be elected in May as Streatham’s MP - a place you have lived in all of your life?
Words cannot describe how proud I was and still am. Knowing the community so well, and being part of its past and heritage I think helps when being an MP. However, the community itself, the people - they are the best, even if I am biased myself! But honestly, local societies and communities are what make Britain, Britain! In addition, it is what I love in politics.

You were also elected as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Labour Leader Ed Miliband. For some readers who may get confused what the job involves, can you tell us?
Yes, I must admit that the first bit sounds rather confusing but it is simply a secretary to the leader. I organise his diary, events, etc as well as making sure any letters and emails sent from the public are taken care of with responses. I also prepare him for questioning, and for asking questions on Prime Minister's Questions. I guess you would call me the foundation for him; without my role, he would be all over the place!

You also voted for Ed Miliband in the party election - would you say you have a special relationship?
(Laughs) Certainly not a relationship, more of a friendship! We both knew each other before he was elected leader. We are both centred at the same place really, and this is one of the reasons for me nominating him. And I made the right decision. He’s a great guy; enthusiastic and ready to act.

Finally, can you sum up your last 5 and ½ months in cabinet?
‘I love it’!

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins 

Picture Courtesy of http://www.streathamlabour.org.uk/

Thursday 19 January 2012

Not another "bad decision by the NHS" story....

Now if you have been watching and reading the news recently, one matter, which just will not work out for the coalition, is the reforms planned for the NHS. Even today, the British Medical Association has revealed that in a recent survey conducted by its members, 2/3 of the association would strike over pension reform. This adds to the latest patient waiting-time figures, which revealed that 43% of patients were not being seen in the designated waiting-times set by the government.



So you can understand my uncertainty about meeting my doctor for the first time. Since I have moved to university, I have had to change doctor’s surgery. The registration process was simple; sign on the dotted line, and you will have a new doctor waiting for whenever you need a tickly throat inspected.

Yet the brand new surgery, conveniently opened inside Boots the Chemist, looked the part as I walked in. And contrary to the new waiting room figures, I had barely made myself comfortable in my seat before the nurse called my name, and I was escorted into a dull office and sat down tentatively opposite a woman who looked the spitting image of Jo Brand in Getting On (how ironic!)

But it was once we got down to business that the whole thing started to unravel. You see, the NHS prefers not to share your information with other surgeries in other counties. So rather than her educating me about my asthmatic problems, it was more the other way round. However, oh no, she did not stop there. Within the space of 15 minutes, she had me recounting all my past medical history, along with the rest of my family’s problems, with elicit detail and description. And for someone that has never really paid attention to that kind of thing, I was left frantically searching my memory for any past medical history she may require. I felt less intimidated in my GCSE Biology exam!

Then I was prodded, probed and measured for all sorts of things I had never been asked to do before. She used the old imperial system for telling me my weight and height, which unless you are Albert Einstein, means very little anymore. She interrogated me repeatedly about drugs and smoking, (I have done neither), and then told me my blood pressure was too high for my age, and so did it again so that she could just check. Surprise surprise, she then said it must have been wrong the first time where I had walked in. You can see where my breathing problems start to come from!

So not only was the whole experience unprofessional and unnecessary, considering how quick and easy it could be in an ideal world where councils could share patients medical records with each other, but I had not even got my inhaler yet!

And what a drama that was. On my part, probably my fault for telling her it was green, not blue. After we had gone through Google images and checked various websites, with her pointing and me giving her a yes/ no answer for each one with no success, she then produced one out from under her desk. Bingo! “Yes, that’s the one!” “It’s blue, not green. You said it was green.” “It’s a bluey kind of green.”

I quickly ran off after that, wanting to forget the whole ordeal. But that is just it; it was such an ordeal that it made me think about buying the inhaler from some drug-dealer at the back of Co-op in future, which would have been a lot less stressful. Was it incompetence on her part? Probably not. What it comes down to is just another reason why the NHS in England needs to take itself seriously for once. Granted, it is an essential institution in Britain that we cannot live without. But we can pull a few strings and make a few sacrifices if needs be. Because at the moment, it really is a joke which is just not funny anymore.

Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia. 

Happy New Year (albeit late!)

The jourknow would like to welcome you, nearly three weeks in, to 2012! What a year it is going to be. I can just feel that 2012 is going to be a year for everyone, especially if you live in Britain. We have the Olympics, the Queen’s Jubilee, exciting TV and music projects and rafts of other amazing opportunities to look forward to.

Yeh, I was doing this over Christmas!

First, an apology. The jourknow is truly sorry for not posting on here for the last few weeks. I have been ever so busy travelling across the globe, where I visited family in New Zealand. An amazing country, I would recommend a visit for all of you (as you will see in my new blog post, coming soon!) I have also been busy in my first week back at university, but the jourknow promises that new and fresh content will be updated regularly from now on.

So sit back and relax as we journey through the New Year together. Thank you friends!